We'd do anything to make sure our beloved four-legged friend is safe, which is why the best cages and dog crates for car travel are a must-have pet travel accessory to use on the go. Importantly, it is legally required to ensure your dog is restrained in the car. This is so they can't distract you while you're driving or injure you; this will help them stay safe and secure if you stop the car quickly. For dogs who experience car sickness or anxiety about travelling, dog crates will make them feel more secure and help them feel at home in new environments. Luckily, we've found the best crates and dog cages for car travel.
You can get specifically designed leads that can be fastened to headrests, dog guards, and even dog car seats to keep your dog safe while travelling in a vehicle. However, the best way to protect your dog is by using a dog car crate or a dog cage for car journeys. If you're introducing a crate to your dog for the first time, it would be a good idea to get them used to it before driving anywhere. To get your dog used to the crate, start with very short periods and give them plenty of praise and treats.
Best dog crates for car travel at a glance:
• Best overall: Ellie-Bo Deluxe Sloping Dog Cage - view on Amazon UK
• Best dog crate for large dogs: Cadoca Dog Car Crate Aluminium Transport Box - view on Amazon UK
• Best overall fabric dog crate: Morpilot Pet Carrier Bag - view on Amazon UK
• Best dog carrier for small dogs: pecute Pet Carrier Bag - view on Amazon UK
From the size and ease of use to the overall comfort provided, there are a couple of factors to consider when choosing the best cages and dog crates for car travel. You'll want to make sure the size is right for your dog and for your car and that you can easily assemble it so, you pop it up and down when needed. You'll want to check you're securing it in the right way, too Most important is the safety and comfort of your pooch so they'll be at ease while travelling. Luckily, we've covered everything from what to consider when buying a dog cage or crate for the car to how to secure it in our FAQs section.
If you're on the hunt for a cage or crate that will keep your hound safe, secure and comfortable while you're travelling, you've come to the right place. From strong metal ones to stop chewers in their tracks to softer-style car carriers for puppies and smaller breeds, we've searched the web for all the best dog cages and dog crates for car travel so you don't have to.
Best dog crates for car boot
Best overall
Ellie-Bo/AmazonIf you are looking for a crate for the boot of your car, then this medium-sized folding Ellie-Bo Deluxe Sloping Dog Cage would be a great pick. It features a non-chew metal tray, a fleece liner and a slanted front to fit in your car boot. It also folds flat for easy storage and transportation.
Customer review: "Good sturdy dog crate. Fits well in our car. Bed included for a snug fit!"
Pros
- Fits most car boots
- Removable tray for easy cleaning
Cons
- Risk of paws getting stuck between bars
Best dog crate for large dogs
Cadoca/AmazonThis Cadoca Dog Car Crate Aluminium Transport Box offers a similar concept to the first dog car crate above. However, this has a chunky aluminium frame. Additionally, it has lockable doors; it is water and weather-resistant, plus it is well ventilated so your pup will be safe and comfortable for car journeys.
Customer Review: "A fantastic addition to your car and transportation of your faithful friend."
Pros
- Strong and well-ventilated
- Made using weather and water-resistant aluminium
Cons
- Assembly required
Best dog crate for small dogs
PawHut/Robert Dyaswww.robertdyas.co.uk
The angled shape of this foldable PawHut Metal Collapsible Car Dog Cage makes it suitable to fit in the boot of most cars. It has one door and a removable tray and is a good size for puppies and small dogs and will give them excellent protection when on the road.
Customer Review: "Easy to assemble and lightweight to move and carry. Tray easy to remove so you can keep it clean."
Pros
- Folds flat
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Wire is a lighter gauge with wide and narrow gaps so it can rattle
Soft crates for easy travel
Best overall fabric dog crate
Morpilot/AmazonProvide comfort for your four-legged friend when travelling with this lightweight Morpilot Pet Carrier Bag. This model comes at a great price, is well-designed and comes in eight different colours and two sizes. However, the largest size is not going to be suitable for dogs bigger than a Beagle. It has breathable mesh for good ventilation.
Customer Review: "Really well made, sturdy, nice looking and spacious. Love it!"
Pros
- Comes with a portable water bowl
- Wipe-clean outer and removable, machine-washable cushion inside
Cons
- Zipper can get stiff
Best folding dog crate
AmazonBasics/AmazonThis soft-sided AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog Crate in seconds and comes with zippered closures to ensure secure containment. The folding soft-sided 26-inch crate is ideal for small dogs up to 30 pounds or can also be used for a cat or kittens. The largest 30-inch crate can hold dogs up to 42 pounds.
Customer Review: "It was easy to assemble and take back down and was lightweight for carrying. Seams and zips were good quality."
Pros
- Washable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Needs a mat inside to prevent claws from ripping the bottom
Best dog carrier for small dogs
pecute/AmazonThis reasonably priced pecute Pet Carrier Bag is perfect for small dogs (less than 8kg) and works as a multi-purpose transporter. It has multiple entrances, a three-layer bottom pad, and a large area of breathable mesh for your pet's comfort. Lightweight for travel, easy to assemble and foldable so it can be stored away.
Customer Review: "Bought this for our 9-month-old Jack-chi as he always barked in the car … this basket helped to calm him down and with all the netting around it we could see him and saw he was comfortable in it."
Pros
- Built-in safety rope
- Comfortable
Cons
- Not for medium or large dogs
Best for versatility
Pets At Homewww.petsathome.com
Whether you're travelling to the park or the beach, heading to the vet, or wanting to give your pet a little privacy at home, this Pets at Home Fabric Pet Kennel Large will have you covered. The fabric material is an easier option to spot clean if it gets a bit dirty when getting your dog in and out.
Customer review: "Found this to be so useful for our German Shepard puppy. We have used it in the boot of our estate car. Keeping our fur baby safe"
Pros
- Suitable for large sized pets
- Easy to spot clean
Cons
- May not be the best choice for chewers
How we chose the best dog crates for car travel
All of these dog crates have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered the quality, safety features and value in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching dog crates to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
And, with pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by us and our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval.
Dog crate for car FAQs
Does my dog need to be in a crate or cage while travelling in the car?
According to the Highway Code, dogs and other animals need to be suitably restrained while travelling in the car. This is so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you or themselves if you need to suddenly stop or are involved in an accident.
While your dog doesn't have to be in a crate or cage while they're travelling in the car, you will need to make sure they're safe and secured at all times, using either a dog seat belt and harness, a pet carrier or dog guard to name but a few methods.
How do I choose a dog cage or crate?
Whatever dog cage you choose, bear the following factors in mind when choosing a dog cage for car travel:
Size: First thing to consider is what size the crate needs to be for your dog. The crate should be large enough for your dog to sit, stand, and turn around but small enough to keep them contained. The best way to check this is to measure your pet’s sitting height and length and add 5 to 10cm.
Sturdiness: If you plan to travel with your pup, a sturdy crate should securely contain them and protect them from potential accidents and keep them calm.
Ease of use: The crate you pick should be easy to assemble, store, and suitable for your pet.
Situation: First check where in the car you would like to put the crate such as the back seat, footwell or boot. Also, it is good to consider if the crate will work best for car travel as well as air travel.
Comfort: You will want your dog to have a positive association with the crate so remember to include a soft blanket, towel or dog travel bed, particularly for longer journeys. Using something that already has its own scent on it will also make them feel more at ease.
Extras: Some dog crates come equipped with everything your pooch may need for travel. For example, our best "overall" pick comes decked out with a travel water bowl and a lead for security.
How do I secure a dog crate in my car?
How you secure your dog crate in your car all depends on where you want to put it. If you want to put your dog crate in your boot, remove the parcel shelf and measure the interior of your car boot. Compare these to the dimensions of the crate you select. Ensure the crate is as tight as possible; the less it can move, the safer it will be for your pet. Smaller crates for small dogs can go in the back seat footwell.
If you want to put your dog on the back seat rather than on the floor, don’t use a seatbelt to secure the crate unless the manufacturer specifically says their crate is safe for this. Some are not, and you could be putting your dog in danger. A safer alternative is to use a pet hammock and place the crate inside. That way, they will not be propelled forward into the front of the car if you halt the car suddenly.
Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Take A Break, specialising in natural health. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness.